As the initial week of the 2024 NFL preseason comes to a close, teams and players have shown a rich tapestry of promise and concern through their performances on the field. With a mixture of rookies making their debuts and seasoned athletes trying to solidify their position, the preseason games have offered a snapshot of what fans can expect in the upcoming season.
Quarterback Performances: A Mixed Bag
Caleb Williams stood out among his peers, demonstrating his gunslinging prowess both in training camp and in his game against the Buffalo Bills. His performance has certainly caught the eye of fans and analysts alike, setting a high bar for himself moving forward. On the contrary, the Atlanta Falcons' Taylor Heinicke struggled to find his rhythm when he stepped in to relieve rookie Michael Penix Jr., raising questions about the Falcons' quarterback depth chart.
Justin Herbert's injury led to an opportunity for Easton Stick with the Chargers, but his erratic play left much to be desired. Mike White of the Miami Dolphins and Josh Johnson of the Baltimore Ravens also had underwhelming performances, doing little to build confidence in their capabilities as reliable backups. Conversely, Bo Nix demonstrated commendable command and control in line with the high praise he has received from Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
Running Backs and Wide Receivers: Notable Moments and Misses
The Miami Dolphins saw a spark in their backfield with Jaylen Weight showing notable explosiveness. Meanwhile, Tank Dell made an immediate impact for the Houston Texans, scoring early on a reception from C.J. Stroud. These early impressive performances have fans hopeful for what these young talents can offer as the regular season approaches.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, the preseason opener had its share of disappointments. Marquise Brown was sidelined after just one catch, raising concerns about his durability. Xavier Worthy, another rookie for the Chiefs, has yet to show that he can step up and fill in the gaps, adding pressure on him to perform in the upcoming games.
Defensive and Special Teams Highlights
On the defensive side, Byron Murphy II turned heads with his impressive performance for the Seattle Seahawks, who managed to shut out the Los Angeles Rams. Similarly, the Philadelphia Eagles benefitted from standout plays by Quinyon Mitchell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr., each making significant impacts that contributed to defensive successes.
However, the preseason hasn't been kind to everyone. Cooper DeJean, recovering from an injury, failed to shine in his matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. His struggle serves as a reminder of the challenges players face when returning from physical setbacks.
Team Dynamics: Cohesion and Concerns
The Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots both faced uninspiring offensive play during their preseason openers. A significant factor in their struggles appears to be the lack of stability within their offensive lines, which raises red flags about their ability to protect their quarterbacks and establish a consistent running game as the season progresses.
The Chargers showed a lack of energy and cohesion under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, an issue they'll need to swiftly address to avoid early-season pitfalls. In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles have found a reliable workhorse in Will Shipley, whose performances have been a bright spot amid the typical preseason uncertainties.
Final Thoughts
As the preseason unfolds, these preliminary games offer glimpses into the potential and the pitfalls for numerous players and teams. The first week has already showcased a spectrum of performances, from promising debuts to concerning struggles, setting the stage for what is sure to be an intriguing NFL season ahead.